14 Amazing Reasons You Should Try NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine)

NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine) is a form of the amino acid cysteine, an essential amino acid that the body uses to make glutathione (GSH). This supplement isn’t new, in fact it’s been around for decades and is used for a wide range of health conditions. The benefits of NAC are numerous including cardiovascular health, detoxification, immune system health and liver protection to name a few. It is also anti-inflammatory and can help to minimize or even reverse inflammatory conditions. But before we look at a few health benefits, let’s look at 3 potent actions of NAC.

Antioxidant-This amino acid has powerful antioxidant properties. Antioxidants can help to prevent inflammation and cell damage, which makes it beneficial for a number of health conditions. NAC also increases the body’s ability to produce glutathione. Glutathione is critical for liver detoxification, brain and lung function. (1)

Glutaminergic-NAC can help to modulate the body’s levels of glutamate. Glutamate is one of the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain. Glutamate is involved in a wide range of behavior, learning and memory. (1)

Dissolves mucus-NAC is particularly good at dissolving mucus in the respiratory tract and lungs. In fact studies of NAC have shown this as an effective natural remedy for respiratory and lung conditions such as bronchitis, COPD and the flu. (1,2)

14 Science Backed Benefits of NAC

The health benefits of NAC are numerous, so I will only briefly highlight a few. Numerous references are included for you, if you’d like additional information.

Detoxification-Because it contains sulfhydryl groups NAC binds to cadmium, herbicides, lead, mercury and other heavy metals, as well as environmental pollutants and microbes such as aflatoxin and E. coli.

Liver Failure– NAC is frequently given to individuals who suffer with liver failure due to acetaminophen, and been shown to greatly increase the patients chance of survival. (3, 4)

Cardiovascular System-NAC is an effective remedy to lower lipoprotein. It also helps to prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and causing inflammatory damage to blood cells. In addition NAC lowers homocysteine, lower levels of homocysteine prevents plaque buildup in the arteries. (5)

Immune System Support-NAC helps to protect the body from pollutants, toxins, heavy metals and microbes. NAC is mucolytic, meaning it helps to break down and thin out mucous, this is especially helpful for individuals with asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia and sinusitis. (6,7)

Respiratory Benefits-NAC is mucolytic, meaning it helps to break down and thin out mucous, this is especially beneficial in any health condition that involves the body’s production of excess mucous. NAC has also proven to lessen the duration and frequency of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) attacks. (8)

Decrease inflammation-Reducing inflammation can help relieve many aches and pains in the body and reduce the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases. (11)

Cancer Fighter-It is also noteworthy that NAC can selectively inhibit the growth of tumor cells. It has also been noted that NAC decreases the amount of cancer signaling molecules in the body. (12,13)

Flu prevention-This double blind study of 262 adults taking 600 mg of N-A-C resulted in a significant decrease in the frequency of influenza-like episodes, severity, and length of time confined to bed. (24)

Bone regeneration-N-A-C helps with improving bone growth and regeneration. It activates osteoblastic differentiation by interacting with other bone markers such as collagen and osteopontin. In addition N-A-C hastens mineralization which increases the rate of bone growth. (15,16)

Dosages

Dosage recommendations should be discussed with your doctor and will be based on your reasons for using it. Generally speaking an optimal dose of NAC is 600 mg. two to three times a day. Ideally, take with an equivalent amount of vitamin C for maximum free radical scavenging effects.

Some people experience nausea when taking this supplement on an empty stomach. Taking this supplement with food eliminates this problem for most individuals.

Before starting NAC be sure to talk with your doctor, especially if you are on any medications. NAC may interact negatively with other prescription drugs.

9. Makipour, K., & Friedenberg, F. K. (2011). The Potential Role of N-Acetylcysteine for the Treatment of Helicobacter pylori. Retrieved January 01, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3957414/